Ivanans assigned to Hamilton

MONTREAL - Canadiens GM Bob Gainey announced Friday that forward Raitis Ivanans has been assigned to the Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League.

Ivanans, 27, had two different stints with the Canadiens and played a total of four games this season, going pointless and collecting nine penalty minutes. He suffered a facial bone fracture on Oct. 11, which kept him inactive for one month. On Nov. 11, he was assigned to the Bulldogs before being recalled by the Canadiens on Jan. 24.

In Hamilton, the 6-foot-3, 263-pound Latvian played in 26 games, collecting two goals and 65 penalty minutes.